Siena, part 2

The main cathedral in Siena is another extraordinary work of Italian Gothic, like the Duomo in Florence.   Like seemingly every church in Italy, though, it is a collage of different styles as things were added and changed over the centuries.   For example, in the facade, the original was the multicolored stone gothic, but the gold mosaics  were actually added in the 19th century, even though they refer to a Byzantine style.

The interior is striking, not the least for its over the top stripes (alternating bands of dark and light marble).

The cathedral is also known for its floor, which has elaborate carvings.

Ceilings and domes:

The music library ceiling  (many beautiful chant books were on display):

The lower half of this photo is actually a fresco painted to look three dimensional:

A column from the Baptistry, located below:

And wonderful intarsia:

I think that this church was the most dazzling of all the ones we saw.  In addition, next door there was a museum of works from the church, including even more dazzling Sienese paintings.

This "Maesta" from Duccio was formerly on the altar of the Duomo:

More from the museum: